Should I Be A Registered Nurse Or A Medical Coder?
There is a Health Academy at my High School that I applied for. I got into it today (to start next year, 10th grade). But now I’m wondering whether I should do it or not. Since I;m doing it next year, they had to take two of my electives and replaced them with the Medical classes. By the end of Senior year, you are a Certified Nurse Assistant. I would be a CNA for a little bit, then go to Nursing School to become a Registered Nurse.
My mom is a Medical Coder and really wants me to become one. She says it pays more, you don’t have to deal with a lot of people, and it’s a pretty independent job. You also get more flexible hours depending on what company or hospital you are with. That sounds pretty good b/c I do get tired of dealing with a lot of people sometimes and I am very independent.
But I still want to Kind of become a Nurse, but I don’t want to regret my high school years being in the Health Academy. They took all of my fun electives (dance, photography, and psychology.) It’s so rigorous and you basically have no life. I’ve seen some of the kids in it, I feel bad for them. I’m strongly thinking about just not doing it at all and giving up the spot to someone who really wants to be in it and just become the Medical Coder.
I’m still sort of confused though..Can you tell me the pros and cons of both jobs?
Thanks.
I agree with MAT kin, You should do what you like the best no matter what the job pays. Some people get into jobs that they really end up hating just because it pays more money. Every day is something different dealing with people and their personalities but if you really love people then Nursing is good for you. Think real hard about yourself and what then make a choice. Either one is a good career.
i think you should do a search yourself and if you you you only you like then do it.. choose what u like.. both are good.
Medical coder pays more than an RN? Really???
BEing an RN is a professional career. You are responsible for patients. You get to deal with people. You must use critical nursing judgement.
Medical coding is a paperwork job where you sit at a desk and code written orders.
I would ABSOLUTELY become an RN (I am in BSN school right now!) But, don’t go the associate degree route. Get your bachelor’s degree. This pays slightly more and allows you to advance in your career. Most larger hospitals are hiring only bachelor-trained RNS (at least in the Texas Medical Center that is the case).